At least six members of a family in Narayanganj sustained burn injuries after a fire broke out in their house following a gas leak explosion.  The incident took place at 12 am on Sunday in the district's in the Hosaini Nagar area of Kashipur Upazila.  The victims are, factory owner Sabuj Khandkar (25), garment factory worker Rana Mia (30), his wife Bithi Akhter (18) and their one daughter, local fruit traders Abu Kalam (60) and Zakir Hossain. At first the burnt people were taken to Narayanganj General Hospital, after taken the primary treatment, then they were taken to Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Abul Kalam and Zakir Hosen were taken to National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR). Fakhr uddin Ahmed, deputy assistant director of Fire Service and Civil Defence said, this explosion occurs from accumulated gas after the leakeage of cylinder pipe.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Wednesday) said the Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) polls proved again that the people never make any mistake as they have elected their favorite candidates in a free, fair and neutral election.      "The people never do mistakes and that's the reality... It has been proved again in the NCC elections,” she said.      The premier said this at the oath-taking ceremony of newly-elected mayor of NCC Dr Selina Hayat Ivy and 36 councillors at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the city.        She administered the oath of office to Dr Ivy joining the ceremony virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban in the capital.      Mentioning that her government believes in democracy and people’s right to vote, Sheikh Hasina said the people will vote to elect the candidate by their choice who will work for them. “Because, the people never do any mistake . . . that is why we do everything keeping confidence in people,” she said.         Expressing thanks to the Election Commission (EC) and the law enforcement agencies for holding free and fair elections in NCC, she said through this polls, the people have exercised their voting rights and elected the candidates of their choice.       The prime minister also congratulated all the people of Bangladesh, especially in Narayanganj, as the NCC poll appeared as a great example.       She also extended her gratitude to the people of Narayanganj for electing her party's candidate by voting in the symbol of “Boat”.       Sheikh Hasina, also the President of Awami League, however, directed the elected representatives to act responsibly towards the people without thinking of their own pleasures.       She said the BNP always spreads propaganda because the party leaders don’t see their faces in the mirror.       At the function, Local Government, Rural Development (LGRD) and Cooperatives Minister Md Tazul Islam also administered the oath to the newly-elected 36 councillors, including 9 councillors of reserved seats present in-person at the swearing-in ceremony.       The NCC election was held on January 16 last as Awami League candidate Selina Hayat Ivy was elected mayor for the third consecutive term.      She beat her nearest rival Taimur Alam Khondker by 66,535 votes in the election.       Ivy, with the symbol "Boat", secured 1,59,097 votes to win against independent aspirant Taimur Alam Khandakar, who bagged 92,166 votes with the "Elephant" symbol. The prime minister said her government is steering the country towards the economic prosperity keeping the rights of people well-protected. Awami League always believes in democracy and the voting rights of people, she said, adding that her government is in power winning the trust and confidence of people. She continued, “The democratic process has been continuing for the last 13 years. As a result, the country has won the status of developing nation, while the per capita income has increased to $ 2591, and the GDP now stands at 6.94 percent defying the adverse impacts of Covid-19 pandemic.” Sheikh Hasina said the Covid-19 induced recession has affected the whole world, including many developed nations “but Bangladesh has been able to keep its economic wheel rolling out, and became the developing country”. She urged the elected public representatives to value the trust and confidence of the people that they reposed in them. “Don’t forget the pledges that you made to people. Work for the welfare of the people. The people are now conscious. Perform your duties keeping that in mind,” she added. She asked the elected NCC mayor and councillors to continue the development spree running under this government. The premier said, “Narayanganj is just next to Dhaka. This is a very important city. We’ve taken so many plans and projects. Make sure that those are implemented properly . . . keep up the momentum.” She said her government has adopted long-term Vision 2041, Perspective Plan and Delta Plan 2100 while talking about the country’s future. “Generations after generations will be able to continue the development process of the country. This is how we want to work out plans. Our future generations will have a developed and prosperous life,” she hoped. The head of the government said she wants to ensure that the people of the country will never be oppressed and repressed by anyone. Talking about BNP and its leadership, she said the party has no leadership. She also mentioned that one person is convicted for siphoning off orphans’ money while another is convicted in 10-truck arms smuggling, August 21 grenade attack, corruption cases, and now living abroad as a fugitive. Without mentioning the name of Khaleda Zia, the prime minister said the government, out of its compassion, has given her a scope to stay at her home. About the fugitive Tarique Rahman, the acting chairperson of the BNP, Sheikh Hasina said he had given a bond not to do any politics in the future and went abroad during the caretaker government. “Why will people cast their votes for a party, the chairperson of which is a convicted fugitive and staying abroad? How can they expect?,” she added. She continued, “They (BNP) never want election, they don’t understand election, they know how to rig votes, they don’t know how to motivate voters as they don’t believe in the voting rights of people. It’s the reality.” Reacting to the BNP's criticism over the election, she said the party was not in the habit of seeking votes, rather they have habit of snatching and stealing. “So they don't understand the meaning of democracy, they don't understand the meaning of people's rights, and they don't have that education,” she opined. She added that “they (BNP) understand terrorism, corruption and militancy. They can create Bangla Bhai, they can kill people.” After the assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family members on August 15, 1975, the prime minister said that the people of the country did not have the right to vote. She said, "Ziaur Rahman's ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ vote in 1977, the Presidential election in 1978, the Parliamentary election of 1979 and the Presidential election of 1981 were all farce. People did not have the right to vote." The premier said the biggest thing for a political leader is to work for the people’s interest without looking after his own interest. “The main thing of a leader was that, how much I was able to give to the people and how much I was able to do for people. As much as you can give, it’s your satisfaction,” she added. She went on saying, “If you want to be a political leader, you have to work for the people.” Source: BSS AH

The devastating fire that broke out at Rupganj Sejan Juice Factory in Narayanganj on Thursday has claimed at least 52 lives and 50 others received injuries, district administration and firefighters said. As many as 49 bodies were recovered so far as the firefighters started recovering bodies from the debris after the blaze was brought under control at about 1:15 pm Friday after several hours of frantic efforts. “The fire service personnel recovered 49 bodies so far from there . . . The rescue campaign led by Fire Service and Civil Defense still continues to search the bodies there,”  Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Mostain Billah told BSS. Earlier, Narayanganj district deputy director of the Fire Service and Civil Defense Abdul Al Arifin told BSS that three people, including two female workers, died when they jumped off the roof yesterday after being burnt in the blaze. He said the fire originated at 5:30 pm Thursday from the second floor of the seven-storey building located in Kornogop area of Bhulta union under Rupganj upazila. Police said at least 50 people, mostly the factory workers and employees, received injuries in the fire that broke out at the factory of Hashem Foods Ltd, a sister concern of Sajeeb Group. The injured were undergoing treatment at various hospitals, including Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), while the bodies were sent to DMCH morgue. Deputy Director of the Fire Service Saleh Uddin Chowdhury earlier said due to presence of chemicals and flammable substances like polythene, ghee and other objects in the factory, it was very tough to control the blaze, though 26 firefighters’ unit continued their relentless efforts since Friday evening. Meanwhile, our Narayanganj Correspondent reports, smoke is still coming out from the debris of the fire. Relatives of the missing ones are staging demonstration outside and around the factory premises. Police in large numbers are trying to control the situation, Earlier in the day, a list of 38 missing people was prepared by police, confirmed Sub-Inspector (SI) Mithun Lal Vaidya of Bhulta Police Outpost under Rupganj Police Station. However, fire service and civil defense director (operations) Lieutenant Colonel Zillur Rahman said, “Almost all the bodies recovered Friday could not be recognized. So these bodies were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for DNA test. “ He added that the bodies would be hand over to their respective relatives after identifying through DNA tests. He said, “We would launch a combing search on the fifth and sixth floors and the entire building to become sure whether anyone's body is lying anywhere.” The district administration donated Taka 25 thousand for burial of each victim while Taka 10 thousand for each of seriously injured. Earlier, the district administration formed a five-member committee making Narayanganj Additional Deputy Commissioner Shamim Bepari convener to investigate the incident, our local correspondent reported. The committee has been asked to submit its probe report within seven days. Source: BSS AH

So far 32 people were killed in connection with the explosion at the Baitus Salat Jame Mosque at Talla area in Narayanganj. In a latest move the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested eight officers and employees of Titas Gas Company in this connection. DIG of CID Mainul Hasan delivered the information at a press conference on Saturday. Earlier these officials of Titas were temporarily suspended due to their negligence in performing duties. The arrested persons are- Titas Fatulla branch manager engineer Md. Sirajul Islam, deputy manager Mahmudur Rahman Rabbi, assistant engineer SM Hasan Shahriar, assistant engineer Manik Mia, senior supervisor Md. Munibur Rahman Chowdhury, senior developer Md. Ayub Ali, helper Md. Hanif Mia and worker Md. Ismail Prodhan. The DIG of CID Mainul Hasan said, we have arrested them at one stage of the investigation. They will be placed before the court to grant remand. On September 4 at around 8:45 pm the explosion occurred in the mosque. So far 32 people were killed in this incident and four are undergoing treatment in the hospital under critical condition. AH

Eight Titas Gas officers and employees were temporarily suspended in connection with the blast at Baitus Salat Jame Mosque in Narayanganj. It is known that the 8 officials were temporarily suspended over the allegation of negligence in duties in connection with the blast in the mosque. They were also served show cause letters. The suspended officials are- manager engineer Mohammad Sirajul Islam, deputy manager engineer Mahmudur Rahman Rabbi, assistant engineer SM Hasan Shahriar, assistant engineer Manik Mia, senior supervisor Md. Monibur Rahman Chowdhury, senior developer Md. Ayub Ali, helper Md. Hanif Mia and worker Md. Ismail Prodhan. The incident of blast at the mosque at Paschim Talla area in Narayanganj took place in the night of 4 September. 27 people were killed in the accident.    Fire Service said the accident occurred due to a leakage in the supply line of the Titas Gas Company. Local people complained about the leakage but the officials claimed for bribe. As the bribe money was not given so the leakage was not repaired, locals also complained.  AH

The death toll from Narayanganj mosque blast rose to 24 until Sunday afternoon as three more victims died at Sheikh Hasina National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute early Sunday. The deceased were identified as Julhas, 35, Shamim, 45 and Md Ali Master, 55.  Dr Samanta Lal Sen, coordinator of the Sheikh Hasina National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute, confirmed the information saying “Three more victims died at the hospital.” A total of 37 injured people were admitted to the hospital after the blasts of seven air conditioners at the mosque, the physician said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed the authorities concerned to ensure the best treatment for the patients who suffered burn injuries in the Narayanganj incident. Some 40 people suffered burn injuries as all the air conditioners of the mosque exploded during Esha prayers in Fatullah, Narayanganj on Friday night. One of the injured died at night. Locals said the incident took place around 8:45 pm at Baitus Salam Mosque when the devotees had just finished their prayers. An air conditioner went off and sparked a fire inside the mosque. Later, the remaining six ACs exploded there, leaving the 40 devotees injured. Source: UNB AH

The death toll in connection with the incident of air conditions explosion at Paschim Talla area under Narayanganj has reached to 11. They were undergoing treatment at Sheikh Hasina National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute. On Saturday morning chief coordinator of the institute Dr. Samanta Lal Sen delivered the information. Mentionable, the incident of air conditioners explosion took place at around 8:45 pm on Friday at the Baitus Salat Jame Mosque at Paschim Talla area of Fatullah under Narayanganj district. Panic griped the devotees at one after the explosion. Of them 37 people were admitted at the burn institute with burn injuries. AH

A man was killed while 40 others suffered burn injuries as the air conditioners of a mosque exploded during Esha prayers in Fatullah of Narayanganj on Friday night. Locals said the incident took place around 8:45 pm at Baitus Salam Mosque of the area when the devotees had just finished their prayers. An air conditioner went off and sparked a fire inside the mosque. Later, the remaining six ACs exploded there, creating panic among the devotees. Around 40 devotees received burn injuries in the incident. Abdullah Al Arefin, deputy assistant director of Narayanganj Fire Service, said firefighters, on information, rushed to the spot, rescued the injured and sent them to hospital. Dr Imtiaj, civil surgeon of Narayanganj, said the injured were first taken to Narayanganj General Hospital. Of them, 20 were later sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) in critical condition. Meanwhile, inspector Bachchu Miya of DMCH police outpost said a total of 37 injured, including the Imam and Muajjin of the mosque, were taken to the hospital from Narayanganj. Nazmul Hossain, a doctor at the emergency unit of Narayanganj Hospital, said they referred the injured to the DMCH after providing first aid due to their critical condition. “Some of them suffered 99 percent burn injuries,” the doctor added. Later, one of those referred to a Dhaka hospital –Abdul Hannan, 55, secretary of the managing committee of the mosque – succumbed to his injuries while on the way. A relative of the deceased confirmed the information.   A probe body has been formed to find out why the air conditioners all exploded at almost the same time. Brig General Md Shajjad Hossain, director general of Fire Service and Civil Defense, said the body headed by Fire Service Director (operations) Lt Cl Mohammad Jillu, will look into the incident. Source: UNB AH

An incident of air conditioner (AC) blast has taken place at Baitus Salat Jame Mosque in Fatullah under sadar upazila of Narayanganj. The incident took place at around 8:45 pm on Friday. Burned 37 people were taken to Sheikh Hasina National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute in the capital. Eyewitnesses said, at least 20 to 30 people were injured in the blast. The injured were taken to local hospitals and Dhaka Medical College Hospital. According to the locals, at around 8:45 pm blast of the air conditioners occurred. Panic gripped the devotees in the mosques. They began to get out of the mosques at a time. Most of them were injured and burnt. Confirming the incident Deputy Assistant Director of Narayanganj Fire Service said, fire service team is working there. Still we are not sure about exact number of injured. In this regard Coordinator of Sheikh Hasina National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute Dr. Samanta Lal Sen said that 37 people were brought to the hospital. Their treatment is going on. AH

To control the prices of onion mobile court was in operation in Narayanganj town. The court fined three shopkeepers for selling onion at higher price. The mobile court was conducted at the Digubabu Bazar kitchen market in the town on Saturday morning. The drive was conducted led by Executive Magistrates of the district administration Asma Sultana Nasrin and Farzana Akter. Shahjahan Halder, officer of Consumer Rights Directorate and police members were present during the drive. According to the sources, the mobile court at first conducted drive at the whole sale market in the town. At that time they fined taka 12 thousand to three whole sellers for selling onion at higher prices. Besides the businessmen were made alert and advised not to sell onion at higher prices. The Executive Magistrate said, legal action will be taken if anybody charge higher price for selling onion. AH